Our view: We're proud of how people give in community

The turkey and trimmings from Thanksgiving's feast have been enjoyed for several days. As one holiday passes, we step immediately into the next as our season of sharing picks up speed. There are ways you can help this season, too.

We're naturally proud of our community's response to helping others. One of the most visible is in the Rotary Winter Wonderland annual light display at Wildwood Zoo. Thanks to the volunteer efforts of hundreds - including Marshfield High School computer science students who programmed music to accompany the light show - thousands can enjoy this feast for the eyes.

The event is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 31. Admission to walk or drive through is a cash or nonperishable food item donation for local pantries. In the past six years, Rotary Winter Wonderland has collected nearly 250,000 items for local food pantries.

It's an easy way to give while enjoying what's become a holiday tradition for many. Invite your friends and family to visit with you.

Perhaps you made a donation to Compassion in Action, a Marshfield nonprofit relief group whose members made a trip to the East Coast to help in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.

Logistics of the damage slowed the group's departure since the storm Oct. 29. Team members planned to do whatever they could to help people on their weeklong trek.

"As Christians, we're here to serve those in need, and there's so much need (in New Jersey). This is a wonderful opportunity to help others," said Barb Zarnke, who planned to make the trip. "I'm thankful there's an organization like (Compassion in Action) that takes people out of their comfort zone and shows us ways we can help others."

Although the group has left, you still can help my baking a donation.

Log on to mycompassion.info and scroll to the bottom of the page.

We're naturally proud of some young people who helped out recently. Seventh- and eighth-grade Columbus Catholic Middle School students made pumpkin pies for the annual Marshfield Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Sixth-graders made decorations.

Involving the students in the annual meal provides all who participate an opportunity to be part of a community event, said Jane Lamermayer, the Columbus middle school teacher who organizes the pie-making project each year for the students.

"The students enjoy this because they like to do things that help other people, and this is a fun way to do that," said Lamermayer.

Tim Mews of Marshfield deserves a cheer, too, for ringing a bell for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Christmas Campaign. His attempt to ring for 52 consecutive hours resulted in more than $3,000 raised. While he didn't break any records, he made a dent in the amount needed to help others have a merry Christmas.

More people should follow Mews' lead, even if it is only for a regular shift. More bell ringers are needed. To volunteer for The Red Kettle Christmas Campaign in Marshfield, call 715-897-6510 or go to marshfieldwi.volunteerfirst.org.

There's another way you can help neighbors in need. Gannett Wisconsin Media are working with local pantries in their communities to raise money for Stock the Shelves. Last year, $525,000 was raised in Wisconsin to fight hunger.

The difference with this program is it seeks money donations, instead of food donations. This allows pantries to buy products people can't donate -meat and milk, for example. Donations will help food pantries in Granton, Greenwood, Loyal, Marshfield, Neillsville, Pittsville, Spencer and Stratford. Send donations to Marshfield Area Community Foundations with "Stock the Shelves" noted in the memo, can be mailed to: Marshfield Area Community Foundation, PO Box 456, Marshfield WI 54449

The need has been growing, but we know there are people will help others. We're naturally proud of the community in which we live and the generosity and compassion shown to others. Thank you for giving.

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Our view: We're proud of how people give in community

The turkey and trimmings from Thanksgiving's feast have been enjoyed for several days. As one holiday passes, we step immediately into the next as our season of sharing picks up speed. There are ways

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